Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1887-10-13
Personal Campaigning.


The educational interests of Audu-
bon county were never in such prosper
Gus condition as now. Never before
has there been attained such high per-
centage Of efficiency among teachers,
nor was there ever u time when pupils
made such rapid advancement. Prof.
Willcutt is student Of methods, and
those of modern usage and approved as
the best have been adopted and intro
duced into the administration of school
matters in this county, so far as prac-
ticable. In,making its fight upon the
superintendent, which is actuated by
a selfish purpose, the AdeocGte charges
that semi-annual examinations are ex'
acted, and that it is unnecessary and
causes the teachers unwarranted eX,
pense. Without questioning the ability
of an ex-superintendent who confesses
to having raised an institute fund OF
but $l3 to criticise or determine the
case, we will state that the semi
annual examination, as practiced, will
recommend itself to every one who has
the educational interests mt heart.
Prof. Willcutt, as well as some Other
superintendent in the state, has ex
acted semi-annual examinations OF
those who hold second class certificates
with the laudable purpose of encourag
ing study for advancement and promo
ton in their ranks. Every teacher
holding a second class certificate will
strive for the first hCnors and none art
more appreciative of the semi-annnaI
opportunity to attain that honor than
the aspiring teachers. All first class
certificates are issued for one year. AS
to the 81 fee exacted for the examina
ton, it is not eXOrbitant, and going in
to the institute fund, contributes to the
efficiency of the normal, as it enable:
the superintendent to employ the best
instructors.
The comment of the AdcOcGte, how
ever, is unworthy of belief or attention
for the reason above stated, that it i!
made for personal reasons, and in tn,
grossest spirit of unfairness. The edi
tor has approached much nearer the
truth in his published statements thar
in private conversation. Quite early il
the campaign, in conyersihg with ;
friend he charged the superintendent
with extravaganza, and stated that h
paid Prof. Frost $40 per week, or 1922
for his two weeks service in the inGti
tute and said that Prof. Sabin, the re
publican candidate for state superin
tendcnt, could have been secured 10
that price. The gentlemen with whom
Carpenter was conyersing asked til
latter what Prof. Frost should receive
or what he was worth per week in tn
institute. Carpenter replied that Ii
was worth $50 per week. Carpente
knew that this charge made in priyat
would not stand the light Of the publ
prints: so, still determined on prefe
ring the charges Of extravaganza i
states that $llO for two weeks was to
great a sum even though he had pr
: vately stated that Frost vas worth -
per week.
1t comes as an Irresistible c1GViCtj0
then, that the charges against the g
perintendent are based entirely upc
personal reasons, and at all hazard
without regards for the facts in Il
case. The voters uf Audubon coun
will readily discern the animus, alid 1
}. Duke such detestibie campaigning
i re-electing competent and superi
r officer by an increased majority.
The Blizzard, at Gray, followil
in the footsteps of its esteemed prot
o type, is making similar war upon
n republican candidate for auditor, \
Il w. II. Stowell. There is not any plat
l. ible excuse for such campaigning
IS Audubon county, and it will find
e endorsement by The people, Mr.. Sto
ell is young man of superior busint
ability, of genial nature and affat
y manners, and Of moral character abo
& reproach. The fact that he has receiv
d a nomination for an Office shonld II
k subject him to the diatribes of spi
E. full editor.
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